Brazilian Micro Sword

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a foreground plant that looks like grass at first glance, but on closer inspection the tip of each leaf widens like a small spoon. The leaves are 5–8 cm tall and stand upright and firm; spreading by underground runners, it gradually forms a neat, low lawn. It belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae).

Its main advantage over dwarf hairgrass is that it stays short enough not to need trimming. It grows slowly; it also survives under medium light in an aquarium without CO₂, but spreading can take months. With CO₂ and good light the carpet closes much faster.

• Divide the clump from the nursery pot into small, rooted bunches with a few leaves each.
• Plant the bunches with tweezers 2–3 cm apart and 1–2 cm deep.
• Plant it in the foreground, in an open area that gets light; along the edges of stones it gives a natural lawn look.

• Light: Medium; under strong light it stays shorter and denser.
• CO₂: Not required, but noticeably speeds up spreading.
• Fertilizer: Root tabs and a nutrient-rich substrate; liquid fertilizer also helps.
• Trimming: Usually not needed. Old, browning leaves are plucked off at the base.

It spreads on its own by underground runners; new clumps appear at the ends of the runners. Once rooted, these can be separated and planted elsewhere.

• Algae on the leaf tips: because it grows slowly it can catch algae; keep the photoperiod balanced; grazing shrimp and otocinclus help.
• Very slow spreading: lack of CO₂ and nutrients; be patient.
• Yellowing: nutrient deficiency, especially nitrogen and iron.